OR OR - David 'Dave' Lewis, 46, Ashland, 4 September 2008

[deerlybeloved]

Hello All!

I am new to Ashland and came across a reward for information in Dave's case in a copy of "Sneak Preview" that was delivered to my house. I had never heard of the case before and wanted to learn more about my new community, so I dove in. I've now made my way through the entire websleuths thread, as well as having read all the supplementary articles provided via this thread or those that can be found when searching on google. Admittedly, Dave's case does not seem to have gotten its due coverage. I am so sorry to Dave's loved ones for their loss and for also having to contend with rumors and a lack of justice almost 20 years later. I do however fully believe this is still solvable. Even after reading, I have many questions and hope it is okay to jump in and ask them.

1) Is there a definitive connection between Dave and Troy's cases? I have seen online where it is reported both ways (connected, not connected). Is it ballistics? Has the current detective handling the case stated that there is a concrete link? What physical evidence available proves this?

2) Who owned the second arsoned property at the time of the fire? Do they have any connection to the aforementioned resort owners? It's stated on this thread that BMcN had a group of thugs meet up there. Were the homeowners friends of BMcN?

3) Exactly how much work did Dave do for the resort owners? What legal ramifications came upon them for building dwellings instead of providing space for recreational vehicles, if any? Did the owners know or were they friendly with Sheriff Winters?

4) Are there receipts or any hard proof that indicate he was at the Howard Lake Resort the evening of his murder? Is there anything indicating what time he left the resort to head home? Would he have had to travel Keno Rd to get there or would he have taken Hyatt Prairie?

4) It was mentioned that Dave was threatened to be "burned out" or something similar, prior to his death. Who heard that? Where and when was it said? Who was it said by?

5) Does anyone have a comprehensive list of the people who gathered at the burn sight the day of Dave's passing?

6) Who is Dave's ex-girlfriend and why were the police unable to clear her? No verifiable alibi for the evening? I read that their relationship had "soured greatly". What was the nature of their relationship after they broke up? Does this ex still live in the area?

7) Dave's body being found by the chimney...does this indicate that LE believes he was up and confronted/saw his attacker? Or was Dave known to sleep near the fireplace? I know not everyone sleeps in their room (my dad is an AVID couch sleeper).

Lastly...
This is just an observation, but I drove up Dead Indian Memorial Rd and as an outsider, I do not believe someone who wasn't familiar with the area was able to do all of this in the darkness of a new moon. The roads are so windy and elevated up there, with the properties decently dispersed, you would absolutely have to know exactly where you were going. This isn't an area (or a time, in 2008) where I'd expect you would have reception, or even the capability in many cases, to look up directions in the moment.

I have more questions but wish to start with these. I'm brand new to websleuths so If I asked a question that has already been answered, I apologize. After 40 pages of reading here, it's possible to lose track of some of the threads. I do just want to say that I think it's wonderful that some of you have stuck with this for so long. I see how diligent you are with your posts and making sure Dave's story is not forgotten. Dave deserves justice and for that, I am hopeful.

 

[Lilibet]

W

Hello All!

I am new to Ashland and came across a reward for information in Dave's case in a copy of "Sneak Preview" that was delivered to my house. I had never heard of the case before and wanted to learn more about my new community, so I dove in. I've now made my way through the entire websleuths thread, as well as having read all the supplementary articles provided via this thread or those that can be found when searching on google. Admittedly, Dave's case does not seem to have gotten its due coverage. I am so sorry to Dave's loved ones for their loss and for also having to contend with rumors and a lack of justice almost 20 years later. I do however fully believe this is still solvable. Even after reading, I have many questions and hope it is okay to jump in and ask them.

1) Is there a definitive connection between Dave and Troy's cases? I have seen online where it is reported both ways (connected, not connected). Is it ballistics? Has the current detective handling the case stated that there is a concrete link? What physical evidence available proves this?

2) Who owned the second arsoned property at the time of the fire? Do they have any connection to the aforementioned resort owners? It's stated on this thread that BMcN had a group of thugs meet up there. Were the homeowners friends of BMcN?

3) Exactly how much work did Dave do for the resort owners? What legal ramifications came upon them for building dwellings instead of providing space for recreational vehicles, if any? Did the owners know or were they friendly with Sheriff Winters?

4) Are there receipts or any hard proof that indicate he was at the Howard Lake Resort the evening of his murder? Is there anything indicating what time he left the resort to head home? Would he have had to travel Keno Rd to get there or would he have taken Hyatt Prairie?

4) It was mentioned that Dave was threatened to be "burned out" or something similar, prior to his death. Who heard that? Where and when was it said? Who was it said by?

5) Does anyone have a comprehensive list of the people who gathered at the burn sight the day of Dave's passing?

6) Who is Dave's ex-girlfriend and why were the police unable to clear her? No verifiable alibi for the evening? I read that their relationship had "soured greatly". What was the nature of their relationship after they broke up? Does this ex still live in the area?

7) Dave's body being found by the chimney...does this indicate that LE believes he was up and confronted/saw his attacker? Or was Dave known to sleep near the fireplace? I know not everyone sleeps in their room (my dad is an AVID couch sleeper).

Lastly...
This is just an observation, but I drove up Dead Indian Memorial Rd and as an outsider, I do not believe someone who wasn't familiar with the area was able to do all of this in the darkness of a new moon. The roads are so windy and elevated up there, with the properties decently dispersed, you would absolutely have to know exactly where you were going. This isn't an area (or a time, in 2008) where I'd expect you would have reception, or even the capability in many cases, to look up directions in the moment.

I have more questions but wish to start with these. I'm brand new to websleuths so If I asked a question that has already been answered, I apologize. After 40 pages of reading here, it's possible to lose track of some of the threads. I do just want to say that I think it's wonderful that some of you have stuck with this for so long. I see how diligent you are with your posts and making sure Dave's story is not forgotten. Dave deserves justice and for that, I am hopeful.

Welcome to Websleuths and to Ashland @deerlybeloved from a fellow Ashland resident. These are excellent questions. I wish I had answers rather than opinions.

Thank you for your diligent reading of the thread. Due to Websleuths rules, some questions cannot be answered, such as #2, 4, 5 and 6, that name people who have not been publicly labeled “persons of interest” (POI) by law enforcement (LE). That prevents Websleuths from becoming a rumor mill. Even “verified insiders” must abide by this.

I agree with you that someone unfamiliar with the property could not have murdered Dave. That narrows the possibilities quite a bit IMO.

 

[deerlybeloved]

W

Welcome to Websleuths and to Ashland @deerlybeloved from a fellow Ashland resident. These are excellent questions. I wish I had answers rather than opinions.

Thank you for your diligent reading of the thread. Due to Websleuths rules, some questions cannot be answered, such as #2, 4, 5 and 6, that name people who have not been publicly labeled “persons of interest” (POI) by law enforcement (LE). That prevents Websleuths from becoming a rumor mill. Even “verified insiders” must abide by this.

I agree with you that someone unfamiliar with the property could not have murdered Dave. That narrows the possibilities quite a bit IMO.

Hello @Lilibet!

Thank you so much for responding and being so welcoming. I apologize for engaging in questions that violate Websleuths rules. I completely understand maintaining the integrity of the thread and I will try my best to make sure that going forward I follow those rules accordingly. I really appreciate you taking the time to explain it to me

I'm glad I am not alone in thinking that it is likely the perpetrator was familiar with the area. Staying within that realm of opinion/observation, I personally have trouble with the fact that the second arsoned property is miles east of Dave's home. The second fire, in nature, has a lot of mystery around why it was set. I however am a little more hung up just on the sheer fact that this individual chose that route. It makes me question why an individual who had just committed such a heinous act, would travel deeper into the mountains? Ashland is right off of Highway 5 and very close to the California border. In my mind, if the perpetrator was not staying/living in the area, it makes little sense to travel in the direction they did. I realize that there is a chance of there having been something on the property that the perpetrator wished to destroy, but if so, why not set that fire first? I believe the order in which the events took place speak to a greater truth. However, as I am new to the area, someone more familiar may have better reasoning for this that I am unaware of. If so, please share.

I hope everyone on this thread has an amazing day!

 

[Sleuth2010]

Hello All!

I am new to Ashland and came across a reward for information in Dave's case in a copy of "Sneak Preview" that was delivered to my house. I had never heard of the case before and wanted to learn more about my new community, so I dove in. I've now made my way through the entire websleuths thread, as well as having read all the supplementary articles provided via this thread or those that can be found when searching on google. Admittedly, Dave's case does not seem to have gotten its due coverage. I am so sorry to Dave's loved ones for their loss and for also having to contend with rumors and a lack of justice almost 20 years later. I do however fully believe this is still solvable. Even after reading, I have many questions and hope it is okay to jump in and ask them.

1) Is there a definitive connection between Dave and Troy's cases? I have seen online where it is reported both ways (connected, not connected). Is it ballistics? Has the current detective handling the case stated that there is a concrete link? What physical evidence available proves this?

2) Who owned the second arsoned property at the time of the fire? Do they have any connection to the aforementioned resort owners? It's stated on this thread that BMcN had a group of thugs meet up there. Were the homeowners friends of BMcN?

3) Exactly how much work did Dave do for the resort owners? What legal ramifications came upon them for building dwellings instead of providing space for recreational vehicles, if any? Did the owners know or were they friendly with Sheriff Winters?

4) Are there receipts or any hard proof that indicate he was at the Howard Lake Resort the evening of his murder? Is there anything indicating what time he left the resort to head home? Would he have had to travel Keno Rd to get there or would he have taken Hyatt Prairie?

4) It was mentioned that Dave was threatened to be "burned out" or something similar, prior to his death. Who heard that? Where and when was it said? Who was it said by?

5) Does anyone have a comprehensive list of the people who gathered at the burn sight the day of Dave's passing?

6) Who is Dave's ex-girlfriend and why were the police unable to clear her? No verifiable alibi for the evening? I read that their relationship had "soured greatly". What was the nature of their relationship after they broke up? Does this ex still live in the area?

7) Dave's body being found by the chimney...does this indicate that LE believes he was up and confronted/saw his attacker? Or was Dave known to sleep near the fireplace? I know not everyone sleeps in their room (my dad is an AVID couch sleeper).

Lastly...
This is just an observation, but I drove up Dead Indian Memorial Rd and as an outsider, I do not believe someone who wasn't familiar with the area was able to do all of this in the darkness of a new moon. The roads are so windy and elevated up there, with the properties decently dispersed, you would absolutely have to know exactly where you were going. This isn't an area (or a time, in 2008) where I'd expect you would have reception, or even the capability in many cases, to look up directions in the moment.

I have more questions but wish to start with these. I'm brand new to websleuths so If I asked a question that has already been answered, I apologize. After 40 pages of reading here, it's possible to lose track of some of the threads. I do just want to say that I think it's wonderful that some of you have stuck with this for so long. I see how diligent you are with your posts and making sure Dave's story is not forgotten. Dave deserves justice and for that, I am hopeful.

Welcome to all DBL :
The first fire that the Greensrings Fire Department ( all volunteer at that time) put-out, was a vacation / weekend homestead, owned by a Lewis. They also lost their entire home. Fires were attempted to be started in another small outbuilding there…which didn’t burn. It is referred to as the Keno Cabin, the roads intersection. The firefighters saw a truck speeding back toward Hyatt Lake, in a truck, marked with the campground aka “Park model RV resorts” logo.

Dave and his son had been threatened on Labor Day at Hyatt Lake, by BMcN. Another man from California who co-owned the campgrounds was a witness. His grandkids also were present. BMcN just went ballistic according to their statements…
Within 72 hours, the meeting happened. Then the murder and multiple arson.
Everyone had left the area and town, and had Slurpee receipts to prove so.

McN and Plantee’ were also trying to swing another illegal park-model-RV park at Lily Glen with a proposed 100 year lease, with Jackson County. The county was sketch in some departments. LUBA overruled them.

The meeting was nearby at the Lindsay Barn / ranch. BMcN and his wife JPltee^ were involved in “ a deal “ to buy the place…for a horse ranch.
About 6 to 8 men gathered that night of the 3rd of September 2008. “

Dave was positively at Howard Prairie that evening. He bought beer, ate oysters, and flirted with the cute gal who was preparing the dinner party for the staff’s end of year bash.

When Dave’s body was found, Troy Carney’s was found the same day.
There is a link between the two men. Their timelines of death were much closer than originally thought.

Sheriff Winters should have recused himself, but did not.

Hope this helps as a start… Thank you so much for your interest.

There is a $20,000.00 REWARD for information

 

[Sleuth2010]

Hello @Lilibet!

Thank you so much for responding and being so welcoming. I apologize for engaging in questions that violate Websleuths rules. I completely understand maintaining the integrity of the thread and I will try my best to make sure that going forward I follow those rules accordingly. I really appreciate you taking the time to explain it to me

I'm glad I am not alone in thinking that it is likely the perpetrator was familiar with the area. Staying within that realm of opinion/observation, I personally have trouble with the fact that the second arsoned property is miles east of Dave's home. The second fire, in nature, has a lot of mystery around why it was set. I however am a little more hung up just on the sheer fact that this individual chose that route. It makes me question why an individual who had just committed such a heinous act, would travel deeper into the mountains? Ashland is right off of Highway 5 and very close to the California border. In my mind, if the perpetrator was not staying/living in the area, it makes little sense to travel in the direction they did. I realize that there is a chance of there having been something on the property that the perpetrator wished to destroy, but if so, why not set that fire first? I believe the order in which the events took place speak to a greater truth. However, as I am new to the area, someone more familiar may have better reasoning for this that I am unaware of. If so, please share.

I hope everyone on this thread has an amazing day!

Just an idea…but if you check out Conde Creek, it is between Dave’s and Hyatt turn off. It was yellow tagged that horrible day. As the crow flies it drops down to where Troy was camping / visiting. Greenway Medford,Central Point. Talent and Phoenix towns. Troy’s cell phone should have a lot of information… it had run out of battery power, possibly when he was up in the mountains and couldn't charge it . But, now, it would have the record of who he was in touch with. Where, when, and how…

These two cases are long over due to be prosecuted. They know 2 of the friend’s of the sheriff were persons of interest in Dave’s case. That’s not right.

Honor and truth come before false valour and fake friend.

 

[ShastaDaisy]

Maybe law enforcement at the time, the Sheriff, didn’t want it solved.

IF, in your opinion, Dave was killed by the people he had compromising information on, AND the sheriff didn't want it solved, are you suggesting there are multiple people that have influenced this investigation or have information that hasn't been shared up until now and that the case rests on hidden evidence or corruption of public officials

Do you know if Dave had threatened these people with the compromising information he allegedly held, were these the same people who threatened him with death
What kind of information could he have had that multiple individuals would conspire against him and come to his home to commit such malicious acts

I wasn't aware there was a sex abuse component to this case, was Dave ever accused of SA or were his kids SA'd, are you personally aware of a SA connection to Dave's case, was Dave afraid the people that were threatening him would SA him or someone he cared for or murder him for defending himself or others against SA

Was his murder and the arson of his home a conspiracy involving multiple individuals, were these people sex offenders or just scared of being "told on" or is it your opinion that Dave was murdered by one individual who had it out for him

Was it the ex wife's boyfriend who was the sex offender or was it the people at the lake, did they know each other, did they conspire to murder this guy and set his house on fire

Trying to figure out if the insider here believes the sheriff at the time was actively involved in covering up for the individual(s) involved in Dave's death or if the sheriff was defending sex offenders or what exactly is being implied

Is the murderer known but the former sheriff still holds the power to protect the individual(s) and has the influence to keep the case from going forward
If this is the case, maybe it's the former sheriff who should be prosecuted for obstructing an investigation and obstructing justice

If the murderer or murderers are known why hasn't more specific information been released by LE or discussed by the insider on this thread, if the murderer is known why hasn't the DA brought a case or released more information or offered a reward for more information especially since there has been multiple sheriffs in the last 16, almost 17 years

I have yet to see any timelines of Dave's last known activities, last known contacts or any specific events or places Dave was seen in his last days, why haven't the sheriff's department or family ever released more detailed information

Had some new information that the rental property of the registered sex-offender was before Dave's fire. Hope this helps.

The alleged 4th fire, with this new information maybe you could also answer--
When did you become aware of this 4th fire, do you know why was it set or by who, do you have an exact date or time so it could be verified or already have access to a copy of the 911 call
Could the fire have been set by someone hiding out after murdering Dave

Exactly what connection did it have to Dave's death since it's been brought up here more than once, it's been said it occurred both before and now after Dave's death but there's never been a reason given for why it was started or what the motivation was or even what started it, or how it was connected to Dave or his murder; maybe it was a mower that started a grass fire

So far there is absolutely no way to corroborate this statement; no date, no time, no specific location ("sex offender rental"), and now it allegedly happened AFTER Dave's death; no link to a newspaper article, no pictures, nothing, the timeline is uncertain and the cause and motivation of this alleged fire is entirely unclear.

I have pondered this case over the last several months and believe this case could be resolved if some people were more forthcoming

All for now
My statements are my own personal opinion and questions asked are largely rhetorical given the nature of engagement on this subject
May Justice Prevail

 

[deerlybeloved]

Just an idea…but if you check out Conde Creek, it is between Dave’s and Hyatt turn off. It was yellow tagged that horrible day. As the crow flies it drops down to where Troy was camping / visiting. Greenway Medford,Central Point. Talent and Phoenix towns. Troy’s cell phone should have a lot of information… it had run out of battery power, possibly when he was up in the mountains and couldn't charge it . But, now, it would have the record of who he was in touch with. Where, when, and how…

These two cases are long over due to be prosecuted. They know 2 of the friend’s of the sheriff were persons of interest in Dave’s case. That’s not right.

Honor and truth come before false valour and fake friend.

Thank you for the suggestion and the information you provided in both responses to me. I genuinely appreciate you taking the time to respond and I agree, checking out Conde Creek for myself sounds like a good idea. I plan on following through with that soon! I'd also like to check out the area where the Lindsay ranch/barn are but cannot seem to locate directions. Any help there would be so appreciated!

When you say yellow tagged, do you mean with yellow tape (like caution tape) or do you mean some form of yellow tagging (paint, etc)? I want to make sure I am fully understanding what was found that day. Also, was this an item that police photographed or collected as evidence? If you don't know, no worries at all, I am just genuinely curious because if they kept it, it would obviously be an indication that it was significant in their eyes as well. Also, do you (or anyone on this thread) happen to know the last time Dave's case was actively reinvestigated or reviewed? I read that a special cold case team had taken it over at one point, but it seems like that was YEARS ago.

I hope everyone is having a safe, lovely week so far
#justicefordave

 

[Sleuth2010]

Some think this is what Oregon Sheriff Michael Winters should have been saying, or something similar. However, there was never any commentary from the sheriff to the press, television, social media, friends, family, or community.

What was NOT said about the Dave Lewis heinous murder and body burning:

Arkansas Sheriff:
“If you commit a violent, senseless act here in our state, our law enforcement will hunt you down and bring you to justice. We will take monsters off our streets, because that is what our community deserves. Justice. Let there be no mistake. We do not tolerate violent crime.”


Jmo moo

 

[Sleuth2010]

Just under 2 weeks prior to Dave's murder, the sheriff was on the "Greenway"

( a walking and bike path, homeless gathering area, where unhoused often camp -out and truck lumper Troy Carney was found shot in the head, same day 9/4 as Dave Lewis)

xxSheriffMichael Winters was taking names and gathering information about people on the Greenway and homeless. He claimed it was incase anyone was found deceased. Michael Winters said he would be able to locate family members or friends of a homeless victim of crime. It was never done before or since. Just one move by the Sheriff. The newspaper has since folded.

Coincidence to what occurred Labor Day weekend ( 2 adult men found shot in the head, within 45 minutes distance from each other, multiple arson too)

An interesting fact that can be added to the list and solving / arrests of these killings. Many thanks to law enforcement who worked investigative leads.

2 weeks...

jmo moo omo

//

 

[Sleuth2010]

17 YEARS PAST…

THE week before David E. Lewis was viciously, murdered and burned, there was

plotting to kill him.

If you or anyone you know has information, please contact:

[email protected]

Or any true law enforcement agency can take information.

There is a $ 20,000. REWARD for an arrest and $ 5,000. Verified tips

[email protected]

541- 774- 6800 Jackson County Oregon Detectives 541-774-8304

Thank you for bravery.

///
Jmo moo

 

[Tricia]

Please do not post random news articles unless they are directly connected to this case.
Thanks

 

[ShastaDaisy]

17 YEARS PAST…

THE week before David E. Lewis was viciously, murdered and burned, there was

plotting to kill him.

If you or anyone you know has information, please contact:

[email protected]

Or any true law enforcement agency can take information.

There is a $ 20,000. REWARD for an arrest and $ 5,000. Verified tips

[email protected]

541- 774- 6800 Jackson County Oregon Detectives 541-774-8304

Thank you for bravery.

///
Jmo moo

Are you able to tell us more about the plot to kill Dave in this week before his death?

Is there a timeline of what Dave was doing over Labor Day weekend and the Tuesday-Wednesday before his death?

Thank you for answering questions that may lead to solving your brother's case @Sleuth2010

 

[ShastaDaisy]

Article is dated October 12 2008, barely five weeks after Dave's death
I feel like the investigation hasn't really progressed past this point in these last 17 years
Why was a person of interest or a suspect never named, surely the JCSO has some kind of evidence

Two fires — at 18196 and 12801 Dead Indian Memorial Road — were reported about an hour apart in the early morning hours of Sept. 4. Both houses burned to the ground and a man's body was found inside the cabin at the summit, where Lewis, 46, had lived for more than two decades. The other cabin, near the intersection with Keno Access Road, was a summer home occupied only on weekends, neighbors and authorities said

Theories have circulated through the mountaintop community, but no arrests have been made

Sister of missing man offers $20,000 reward | MailTribune.com

The sister of a man feared dead after a body was found inside his burned-out cabin on Dead Indian Memorial Road early last month is offering a $20,000 reward for the arrest of whomever is responsible for the suspicious disappearance of David E. Lewis.

web.archive.org

 

[Sleuth2010]

Dave was murdered for knowing and speaking the truth.

Murder is never the answer and Dave's killers gained nothing. Nothing. They have no true joy or happiness with the blood of Dave Lewis on their hands and sick-souls.

Thank you for those who work on solving this cold case.

jmo moo rip DEL

 

[ShastaDaisy]

Dave was murdered for knowing and speaking the truth.

Murder is never the answer and Dave's killers gained nothing. Nothing. They have no true joy or happiness with the blood of Dave Lewis on their hands and sick-souls.

Thank you for those who work on solving this cold case.

jmo moo rip DEL

I found this flyer online, not sure who made it, how old it is or if the information is correct, do you know if [email protected], [email protected] and 541-482-6017 are still active tiplines?
Is there still a reward being offered for pertinent information or for information leading to a conviction?

 

[ShastaDaisy]

Found this odd one page blog post from
Sunday, April 10, 2010

HYATT LAKE IS DAVE'S LAKE

DAVE LEWIS WAS MURDERED AND BURNED ON 9/4/08 THE CASE REMAINS AN OPEN-UNSOLVED HOMICIDE. DAVE WAS A GREGARIOUS, HARD WORKING, FUNNY, GOOD G...

davelewisashlandoregon.blogspot.com

 

[ShastaDaisy]

Here is the website that I found the flyer on.

The flyer mentions that Dave had been at the "upper lake" and had also possibly been at or near the Lindsay Ranch the evening or night of 9/3/2008.

According to the flyer the ranch is near the cabin at 18196 Dead Indian Memorial Road and the Keno Access Road.

That cabin was found burning that same night (9/3-9/4) that Dave's cabin was also burned five miles away.

Is anyone familiar with this area around Howard Prairie and Hyatt Lakes? What would be considered the "upper lake", Howard Prairie?

How close is the cabin at 18196 Dead Indian Memorial Road that burned, to Lily Glen (now a Jackson County Park), "the quarry", and the Lindsay Ranch? Are these 3-4 properties adjacent to one another?

At one point someone posted that one or more of the people mentioned on this flyer (RN?) also lived near to or adjacent to some of these properties, am I remembering that correctly?

Also on this new project cold case site (5/26/2025) there is mention of how two family members found out about the fires and how they responded to the online news by calling the fire marshal.

A passerby called in the fire at the cabin at Dead Indian Memorial Road and the Keno access road at approximately 2:35 am on 9/4/2008

Who called it in? Does anyone know? Did they call 911 or did they call the Department of Forestry, or The Greensprings Volunteer Fire Department directly? Is there a record of that call? Did it come from a landline after the person arrived home, was it radioed in by a truck driver, did someone have a satellite phone?

So many questions, so few answers.

David Lewis - Project: Cold Case

On September 4, 2008, David Lewis was found in his burned-up mountain cabin in Ashland, Oregon. He had been killed prior to the arson.

projectcoldcase.org